Europe 2020 strategy

The Europe 2020 strategy is the EU's agenda for growth and jobs for the current decade. It emphasises smart, sustainable and inclusive growth as a way to overcome the structural weaknesses in Europe's economy, improve its competitiveness and productivity and underpin a sustainable social market economy.

- at least 20 million fewer people in – or at risk of – poverty/social exclusion

Features of the targets

They give an overall view of where the EU should be on key parameters by 2020.

They are translated into national targets so that each EU country can check its own progress towards each goal.

There is no burden-sharing – they are common goals for all EU countries, to be met through a mix of national and EU action.

They are interrelated and mutually reinforcing

- educational improvements help employability and reduce poverty

- R&D/innovation and more efficient energy use makes us more competitive and creates jobs

- investing in cleaner technologies combats climate change while creating new business or job opportunities.

How is the strategy implemented?

The Europe 2020 strategy is used as a reference framework for activities at EU and at national and regional levels.

EU governments have set national targets to help achieve the overall EU targets, and are reporting on them as part of their annual national reform programmes. For more details, see national targets and reports.

How is the strategy monitored?

In 2014-15, the Commission performed a mid-term review of Europe 2020. This included a public consultation that showed that the strategy is still seen as an appropriate framework to promote jobs and growth.

Following the review, the Commission decided to continue the strategy, monitoring and implementing it through a process known as the European Semester.